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The UEFA Euro 2020 is all set to commence in June after a year's delay owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most teams have already announced their squads for Euro 2020. With UEFA increasing the squad limit to 26 instead of the usual 23, nations have grabbed the opportunity to name some young talents as well as versatile options that could be useful during the tournament.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top five contenders to win UEFA Euro 2020.
#5 England
Thanks to their superior squad depth and attacking quality, England narrowly pip Luis Enrique's Spain to make this list.
The Three Lions boast some incredible talent in their ranks. Striker Harry Kane is one of the best no. 9s in the world, while forwards like Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling are regarded as some of the best in their respective leagues.
Such is the depth in England's right-back position that Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka are unlikely to figure in the final squad. England manager Gareth Southgate will hope to build on his team's 2018 FIFA World Cup success, where they reached the semi-finals and do well in Euro 2020.
This is arguably England's best generation of talent in some time. Young stars like Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Mason Greenwood could all prove to be decisive if they are named in the final Euro 2020 squad. All three players are regarded as key assets for their respective clubs.
#4 Belgium
Belgium, who have already announced their final squad for UEFA Euro 2020, once again boast a deep squad with cover in every position.
Manager Roberto Martinez looks likely to play three men at the back, given the Red Devils' limited defensive personnel, especially in the full-back positions. Up front, Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku was arguably the best player in the Serie A this season. Martinez will also hope Eden Hazard recovers from his injury issues and flourishes at Euro 2020.
Belgium's good performances in the UEFA Nations League will give them a boost of confidence. They will face world champions France in the semi-final of the competition in October this year.
The Red Devils' offence could be key in Euro 2020. When in full flow, Belgium's attack, which includes Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, is among the best in the world and should fare well in Euro 2020. It remains to be seen how their defence copes, though.
Also Read: 5 best teams in Premier League history.
#3 Italy
Italy are one of the favourites in Euro 2020. Former Inter Milan and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has quietly done an impressive job as Italy manager after taking over from Gian Piero Ventura.
The Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which was seen as a major embarrassment. Under Mancini, though, Italy are on the ascendancy once again, with a heady mix of youth and experience forming the core of the team.
Mancini has already announced a 33-member preliminary squad for Euro 2020. Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Verratti, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne have all been named. Young talents like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Moise Kean and Alessandro Bastoni could all make their mark in Euro 2020.
Like Belgium, Italy are in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League. They will face Luis Enrique's Spain in October. Before that, Mancini's men will look to made a deep run in Euro 2020.
#2 Portugal
Portugal, the defending champions, arguably boast a better squad right now compared to the one that won Euro 2016.
Manager Fernando Santos has announced his final squad brimming with quality for Euro 2020. Manchester City star Ruben Dias, arguably the best centre-back in the world, has been expectedly named alongside Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, City midfielder Bernardo Silva, Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
Portugal's strength and depth is impressive, and they will be among the favourites to win Euro 2020. The centre-back position might be an issue, though, with only Dias, 38-year old Pepe and 37-year old Jose Fonte as the options. Paris Saint-Germain defensive midfielder Danilo Pereira can operate as a centre-back if needed.
A Selecao will be keen to leave their mark in Euro 2020. Cristiano Ronaldo, as usual, will look to lead his team from the front.
#1 France
Didier Deschamps' France are the overwhelming favourites to win Euro 2020, and rightly so.
Such is the embarrassment of riches in their ranks that they can leave out the likes of Dayot Upamecano, Tanguy Ndombele, Nabil Fekir and Houssem Aouar and still have an incredibly strong squad that could go all the way in Euro 2020.
The return of Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, one of the best strikers in the game, adds further quality to an already phenomenal French attack. The usual suspects have all been named, including Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane.
Barring something unexpected, Les Bleus could dominate the international stage for the next few years, at the very least. France recently announced their squad for the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Even that squad could ruffle a few feathers at Euro 2020, such is the quality at France's disposal.
Also Read: Premier League Team of the Season (2020-21).
